The early fifties were a time of marvel and enthusiasm in America. World War II had concluded successfully and the GIs had returned home, were starting families and building businesses. Seemingly unquenchable desire for all products – but particularly the automobile, created one of the country’s greatest periods of economic development. At the heart of the automotive publicity machine was GM’s traveling Motorama, a no-holds-barred display of astounding technology and stunning styling. A series of magnificent styling exercises captivated the public – but most were not for sale.

Buick’s 50th anniversary car was one of GM’s 1953 Motorama stars. This limited-production car was unveiled in July 1952 and was based on the Roadmaster: essentially a factory-customized version of the convertible. In 1953, Buick launched the beautiful new Skylark. The car was striking, with styling cues taken from XP-300 LeSabre concept, and a beautiful swooping beltline never before seen on a Buick. The Skylark offered exceptional performance, yet with the low-profile hydraulically-operated convertible top in place, the car was less than five feet tall.

The Skylark was styled for those whose motoring tastes call for additional flair, sophisticated beauty and rakish lines. This styling exercise was led by legendary designer Harley Earl; the model lacked Buick’s trademark VentiPorts while riding on chrome wire wheels. In fact, the Skylark represented the sole 1953 Buick model without hood VentiPorts. The windshield was lowered four inches, the beltline was dropped and notched at the rear fender line, plus the rear wheel cutouts were rounded and raised to match the front. Power steering, brakes, windows, seat, antenna and convertible top were included as standard equipment in the nearly $5,000 price tag, helping keep sales at just 1,690 units. The Skylark debuted the division’s first modern OHV V-8 engine of 322-cid producing 188-hp, nicknamed the “nailhead." All examples were also delivered with a standard Twin-Turbine Dynaflow Drive automatic transmission.

This beautiful example has been recently restored, and it is richly finished in Majestic White with a black canvas soft-top and a two-tone red and white interior. The carpets are also presented in red. Along with the long and impressive list of standards previously mentioned, additional features include a Selectronic AM radio with electronically-operated telescopic antenna, chrome wheels with knock-offs, whitewall tires, spare tire, heater and clock.

The Skylark represents one of three very special cars that were made available for purchase by a lucky few who could afford the startling price tags – and who had the influence needed to secure one. They were the Oldsmobile Fiesta, the Buick Skylark and the Cadillac Eldorado, and they are coveted so highly by collectors today that to own a full set has been called the “triple crown” of car collecting.